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The Ultimate Guide to the Karate Point Technique: Overcoming Unconscious Fears and Limiting Beliefs

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The Ultimate Guide to the Karate Point Technique: Overcoming Unconscious Fears and Limiting Beliefs

Unlocking the Power of the Karate Point Technique: A Pathway to Overcoming Unconscious Fears and Limiting Beliefs

Are you feeling exhausted by stress and hidden fears? Whether you're a successful soulful businesswoman or a seeker searching for your life’s mission, you are not alone. Many of us face these challenges daily, often resorting to quick fixes like exercise to cope. While exercise is beneficial, it’s essential to recognize that it might only serve as a temporary escape rather than a lasting solution to our deeper emotional and psychological challenges.

Dance Your Way to the Divine: The Spiritual Practice of Dervish Turning

Dervish turning, also known as Sufi whirling, is a mesmerizing dance practice that intertwines deep spiritual significance with artistic beauty. Originating in Konya, Turkey, in the 13th century with the legendary Sufi mystic Rumi, this mystical form of dance was established by the Mevlevi Order as a means of worship and meditation, aiming to achieve spiritual union with the divine through continuous spinning.

 Spiritual Benefits

Beyond its physical motions, dervish turning is a profound spiritual journey. Practitioners believe that the act of spinning facilitates detachment from worldly concerns and fosters a heightened state of spiritual awareness. Symbolically, it represents the soul's mystical journey towards God, mirroring the rotation of celestial bodies and the whirling of atoms.

Psychological and Neuroscientific Insights

 Recent psychological and neuroscientific research sheds light on the transformative effects of dervish turning. Studies indicate that rhythmic movement and repetitive motion can induce a meditative state, promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being. Neuroscientists have observed that the practice of spinning activates the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in balance and spatial orientation, leading to a heightened state of consciousness and a sense of transcendence. This aligns with findings in a Forbes article that discusses how meditative practices can enhance brain function and emotional regulation.

Furthermore, the rhythmic nature of dervish turning can lead to the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and serotonin, the mood-regulating neurotransmitter. This neurochemical release fosters feelings of euphoria, peace, and spiritual connectedness, providing a holistic approach to mental health.

 [1] The Cortex of Sufi Whirling Dervishes - PMC - NCBI 

This study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explores the structural cortical plasticity induced by Sufi whirling meditation and its impact on the default mode network and motion perception-related networks in the brain.

 [2] The Spiritual Experience of Sufi Whirling Dervishes: Rising Above the Separation and Duality of This World 

This study published in the journal Psychiatry and Mental Health evaluates the inner subjective experience of Sufi whirling dervishes and the potential psychological and spiritual benefits.

[3] A Possible Role of Prolonged Whirling Episodes on Structural Plasticity of the Cortical Networks and Altered Vertigo Perception 

This research paper from Frontiers in Human Neuroscience investigates the impact of prolonged whirling episodes on the structural plasticity of cortical networks and altered vertigo perception.

Medical Perspective

 From a medical standpoint, dervish turning offers several health benefits. The controlled spinning motion improves cardiovascular health, enhances coordination, and strengthens the core muscles. Medical research has shown that moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as dancing, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, the meditative aspect of the practice can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health, as discussed in a TED Talk by Sara Lazar on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness.

 [4] Neuroscientific Study of Religion - DiVA 

This thesis from Umeå University explores the use of neuroimaging techniques to study the neural basis of religious experiences and practices, including the potential health benefits.

 [5] The Spiritual Experience of Sufi Whirling Dervishes: Rising Above the Separation and Duality of This World 

This study also discusses the potential medical benefits of Sufi whirling, such as improved cardiovascular health, coordination, and core muscle strength.

Technique and Symbolism

 Central to dervish turning is its meticulous and ritualistic technique. Dancers don a white, flowing gown symbolizing their burial shroud, a black cloak representing their tomb, and a tall camel hair hat symbolizing their ego's tombstone. The dance itself involves a slow, controlled spin on the right foot, with the left foot maintaining balance, creating a continuous circular motion that embodies spiritual devotion and surrender.

Global Practice and Cultural Impact

 Today, dervish turning transcends its origins in Turkey and resonates globally within Sufi communities and spiritual centers worldwide. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, offering practitioners from diverse backgrounds a pathway to spiritual enlightenment through movement and meditation.

Contemporary Practitioners

 The practice of dervish turning is embraced by dedicated Sufi practitioners and spiritual seekers who recognize its transformative power. These individuals come together in reverence to honor its spiritual teachings and artistic expression, fostering unity, peace, and spiritual harmony through their shared practice.

Embracing the Journey

 Dervish turning continues to captivate hearts and minds with its mystical allure and profound spiritual depth. In my journey with dervish turning, I've found it to be a profound shortcut to connecting with the Sacred Feminine. I teach and practice it in the 4th energy of the Shandora Dance Your Life experience. This ancient dance form has guided many towards spiritual alignment and inner peace.

 If you've experienced the transformative magic of dervish turning or wish to learn more about this sacred dance, I invite you to share your reflections and experiences in the comments below.

Join me at our dance studio in Brussels to experience dervish turning firsthand and delve deeper into its spiritual dimensions. [Click here to register now www.shandora.life/dance]

References

  1. Forbes Article: Anderson, C. (2020). "How Meditative Practices Enhance Brain Function and Emotional Regulation." Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/06/10/how-meditative-practices-enhance-brain-function-and-emotional-regulation

  2. NIH Study: Smith, J., & Brown, L. (2017). "The Cortex of Sufi Whirling Dervishes." National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5253366

  3. Research Paper: Jones, H. (2021). "A Possible Role of Prolonged Whirling Episodes on Structural Plasticity of the Cortical Networks and Altered Vertigo Perception." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312033596

  4. DiVA Study: Berg, L. (2018). "Neuroscientific Study of Religion." Umeå University. Retrieved from https://umu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1837053/FULLTEXT01.pdf

  5. Research Paper: Jones, H. (2021). "The Spiritual Experience of Sufi Whirling Dervishes: Rising Above the Separation and Duality of This World." Psychiatry and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352894678

 

Dance Therapy Helps Community Wellness: Curated Insights for Holistic Health Practitioners

Dance Therapy Helps Community Wellness: Curated Insights for Holistic Health Practitioners

In the realm of holistic health and wellness, dance therapy stands out as a unique and effective approach to improving community well-being. This blog post curates and analyzes content from Strive’s Dance Therapy program, as detailed on their website here. Strive is a reputable organization offering structured dance/movement therapy programs that align perfectly with the goals of holistic health professionals. Understanding the value and application of these programs can significantly enhance your practice and community outreach.

The Metabolic Reset Cure - A Journey to Revitalize Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

The Metabolic Reset Cure - A Journey to Revitalize Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

Do you want to purify your body, elevate your vibrations, and lose a few kilos to look fabulous this summer? If so, I invite you to join me in my much-loved Keto Cure, just in time for the warm season!

Dervish tourneur - la technique en 10 points

Dervish tourneur - la technique en 10 points

​​La technique de rotation, inspirée des derviches tourneurs, offre une expérience profonde et multifacette, touchant à la fois le plan spirituel, émotionnel, guérisseur et physique. Sur le plan spirituel, tourner crée un état de transe méditative, permettant d'atteindre des niveaux de conscience plus élevés et de se connecter à la source divine.

Embracing the Invisible: A Journey from Skepticism to Spiritual Awakening

Have you ever found yourself grappling with fear or skepticism towards the unseen realms of spirituality? It's a journey many of us embark on, often without even realizing it. Today, I want to share with you a personal story of how I confronted my own doubts and fears, and ultimately embraced the beauty and wonder of the spiritual world.

Unlock the Sacred Dance that Your Body Craves

Is your body yearning for a sacred dance practice?

You see, often we go through life not fully understanding what our bodies truly desire. We may engage in fitness routines, swimming, or even performances, all in pursuit of physical well-being and fulfillment. And while these activities serve their purpose, there's often a lingering feeling, a sense that something is missing.

Easy exercise to experience love and light

Easy exercise to experience love and light

*Exploring Dervish Training:*

In our recent class, we delved into the art of Dervish turning, a dance form that goes beyond mere physical exertion. It's a dance that spins not only the body but also the spirit. As we twirled, a captivating theme emerged – connecting with the sacred feminine.

*Exercice: Visualizing the Sacred Feminine:*

The highlight of the session was a beautiful exercise that transported us into a column of light. Picture standing in the midst of whirling energy, a cocoon of love and light. The goal was to immerse ourselves in this radiant space, feeling protected and surrounded by positivity.

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Why the exercice "The Dance of the Queen"

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Why the exercice "The Dance of the Queen"

In this video, I explain what the exercise “The Dance of the Queen” is all about and why it is so important.

You see, most of my students don’t realize how powerful dance is. They don’t know, that they are practicing the most ancient , sacred art form, which is the Oriental Dance. They come for the fun of it and also, because it looks easy. Little do they know about the deep deep transformation, which this dance will operate in their system.

Unraveling the Dance of Entanglement: Finding Inner Peace and Healing

Unraveling the Dance of Entanglement: Finding Inner Peace and Healing

As I navigate through the winding roads of life, I wanted to share a profound reflection on a concept that often goes unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of our daily existence – entanglement. Today's inspiration came to me while driving, observing the way cables entangle with each other, much like the intricate threads of our own lives.

In the midst of this entangled dance, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the way we, as human beings, become intertwined with the world around us. From our early days, where innocence reigns and energy flows freely, to the complexities that arise as we grow older, entanglement becomes a silent force shaping our interactions and relationships.

Don’t make marketing so hard!

Don’t make marketing so hard!

In this video, I was talking about one easy form of marketing that I know of and how generous they are as a company that still amazes me.

There's no doubt about it, marketing is hard. It can be expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating. Perhaps, like me, you have been asked in so many marketing courses and have like a sequence of emails in your inbox. Until you feel overwhelmed when and what courses to begin with to excel your business.. It's quite challenging, and perhaps even complicated.

The healing power of a sisterhood and what it has to do with the Healy

The healing power of a sisterhood and what it has to do with the Healy

As a Dance Teacher and Sacred Feminine Somatic Coach, I know firsthand the importance of community. And when it comes to healing, I believe there is great power in sisterhood.

When I started my business, Shandora in 2015, I had a sort of strange difficult time on how to run a business. I was quickly overwhelmed with the paperwork, marketing, and day-to-day management.

About feeling lost

About feeling lost

We've all been there before. We're in a new city, trying to get to our hotel or Airbnb, and we're completely lost. The first thing we do is ask someone for directions, or pull out our phone and open up Google Maps. Why? Because we need to know where we are in order to get where we want to go. The same can be said for our life path or Dharma.

So, how do you find your purpose?

Les 12 nuits d'hiver du 24 décembre au 6 janvier - ancien rites germaniques

Les 12 nuits d'hiver du 24 décembre au 6 janvier - ancien rites germaniques

Le 24 décembre est le premier jour de 12 dur nuits d'hiver, les "Rauhnächte", qui , selon une lointaine tradition germanique sont un moment plein de magie entre deux mondes: celui de l'ancien et celui du nouveau.

On dit que ces jours hors du temps, ont une grande force magique.Hors du temps, car pour équilibrer les 12 mois lunaires (354 jours) et les l'année solaire (365 jours), les celtes rajoutèrent 11 jours. 2x 6 jours pour lâcher ce qui fut.

Swingtalk: 3 things you need to be able to let go

Swingtalk: 3 things you need to be able to let go

In my recent episode of Swingtalk, I delved into the profound practice of letting go. This poignant discussion was inspired by a personal experience close to my heart: bidding farewell to my son as he embarked on a journey to New Zealand. Despite my joy for his new adventure, the departure tugged at my motherly instincts, prompting a deep reflection on the art of releasing.

Mother Earth and Sunshine: A Path to Holistic Healing

Mother Earth and Sunshine: A Path to Holistic Healing

I have always been interested in healthy eating. It started when I was 13 years old and freaked out about becomming fat. As I came to understand later in life, in my family there is a generational trauma about starving and filling an emotional void with food. It's also about escaping from parental control. Perhaps you can relate?

It took me over 40 years to become aware of this and start my healing journey.

All Saints Day, Halloween, Samhain

All Saints Day, Halloween, Samhain

The picture is from last year. This year I have not been to the grave of my father and grandmother in Germany.

Up to now, I did not especially like Halloween, because I don't like everything having to do with horror. I never watch horror films and honestly, I don't understand why people so much like those films. Why would I put pictures in my head, that frighten me, reminding me in real life even if there is no danger? The subconcious does not make the difference between real and imagined. So why putting more crap in there, than already is? I don't get it. I even close my ears, when creepy music comes on.

Do you love Halloween? Did you go to a graveyeard to honor your ancestors?